New soil study begins for stalled P802-M Iloilo flyover
ILOILO CITY—A geotechnical study has started for the unfinished flyover in Barangay Aganan, Pavia, Iloilo to determine if design modifications are necessary to push forward the stalled P802-million project.
The study, conducted by Metro Manila-based Abinales Associates Engineers + Consultants, aims to resolve discrepancies between the soil tests conducted by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Aganan Flyover’s original contractor, the United Technology Consolidated Partnership (UTCP).
DPWH-Western Visayas Director Sanny Boy Oropel said field assessments has started to determine which sections of the 436.90-meter flyover would need to be corrected to keep it stable and safe for motorists.
The UTCP initially reported that the flyover’s piers needed a depth of 24 meters to find solid grounds. But tests done by DPWH said the piers would require a depth of 40 meters to be stable.
This discrepancy halted the construction of the flyover in December 2023.
Oropel said heavy equipment and drilling rigs were mobilized this week to begin the detailed investigations scheduled for completion in two months.
He stressed the need for speed, especially as the Aganan Flyover shares a close alignment with the controversial Ungka flyover, located at the boundary of Iloilo City and Pavia.
The P680-million Ungka flyover was opened to the public in June 2022 but was closed four months later after motorists complained of “wavy” sensation while driving over it, as well as reports and images of flooding at the top of the flyover during rainy days.
The Ungka flyover has been partially opened late last year. —RUCHELLE DENICE DEMAISIP INQ
